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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Eruption of third permanent molars after the extraction of second permanent molars. Part 1: Assessment of third molar position and size.

The eruptive path of third molars after extraction of second molars was examined in 63 patients. Panoramic radiographs from the start and the end of active treatment and 3 or more years after treatment were assessed. Study models were used to compare the size of the second and third molars and to assess the final position of the third molars. All third molars erupted; none became impacted. During eruption, maxillary third molar crowns uprighted and maintained their angulation as they came into occlusion. Mandibular third molar crowns continued to upright significantly mesiodistally after active treatment, with space closure the result of horizontal translation rather than mesial tipping. Further uprighting occurred once occlusion was established, although few became as upright as the second molars they replaced. However, mandibular third molar roots were frequently curved distally, thus the third molar crown position was invariably better than the overall tooth angulation would suggest, by 16.5 degrees on average. Model analysis (Richardsons' scoring system) showed 96% of mandibular and 99% of maxillary third molars erupted into a good or acceptable position. Limitations of this scoring system are discussed. The mesiodistal size of third molars was suitable to replace second molars; on average, mandibular third molars were 0.55 mm larger and maxillary third molars were 0.7 mm smaller than second molars.

Adolescent↗

Association of relatively delayed emergence of mandibular molars with molar reduction and molar position.

Among 234 children examined annually from age three to 20 years at the Burlington Growth Centre, there was statistically significant co-occurrence of early and late emergence sequences of the permanent first and second molars relative to the central incisors and second premolars in the same jaw and in both jaws. Alternatively, mandibular molar delay was not accompanied by corresponding maxillary molar delay, and the mandibular molars emerged later than the maxillary molars. This was strongly associated with Angle Class II malocclusion, indicating a relationship between relative time of emergence and relative position of opposing molars. Delay of the mandibular molar relative to the successional teeth or maxillary molars was associated with increased frequency of four cusped first and second molars and agenesis of third molars, indicating a tendency for co-occurrence of delay in timing of molar emergence with reduction in structure of the molars. These relationships were evident even though emergences were affected by early loss of a deciduous second molar which increased M1I1 and M2P2 sequences by earlier emergence of M1 and delayed emergence of P2.

Adolescent↗

Mandibular third molars as mediated by three cues. Dentists' treatment decisions on asymptomatic molars compared with molars associated with pathologic conditions.

The aim was to study how three cues (patient's age and angular position and degree of impaction of the molar) were distributed among removed mandibular third molars associated with pathologic conditions and to compare these results with dentists' treatment decisions in another group of molars consisting of asymptomatic mandibular third molars, as mediated by the same cues. The overall agreement was fairly high between the dentists' treatment decisions and the removal rate among the molars subjected to removal. Thus, molars partially covered by soft tissue in patients aged 19 to 40 years had a high removal rate, and molars totally covered by bone tissue had the lowest removal rate in accordance with the dentists' treatment decisions. There were some exceptions. For example, molars partially covered by soft tissue in horizontal and mesioangular positions were rated higher by the dentists than the removal rates indicated. Distoangular molars in patients aged 26 to 40 years had the highest removal rate but a considerably lower order according to the dentists' decisions. Scientific evidence indicates that molars in mesioangular and horizontal positions present a low risk and molars in distoangular position present the highest risk of developing pathologic conditions, compared with other angular positions.

Adult↗

Efficiency of a pendulum appliance for molar distalization related to second and third molar eruption stage.

A modified pendulum appliance, including a distal screw and special preactivated pendulum springs (built-in straightening activation and toe-in bending), was used for bilateral maxillary molar distalization in 36 adolescent patients in various stages of the molar dentition. The patients were divided into 3 groups (PG 1-3) according to the stage of eruption of their second and third molars. In PG 1 (18 patients), eruption of the second molars had either not yet taken place or was not complete. In PG 2 (15 patients), the second molars had already developed as far as the occlusal plane, with the third molars at the budding stage. In PG 3 (3 patients), germectomy of the wisdom teeth had been carried out, and the first and second molars on both sides had completely erupted. Analysis of cephalograms to identify any changes in the sagittal plane showed that, in the direction of distalization, a tooth bud acts on the mesial neighboring tooth like a fulcrum, and that tipping of the first molars in patients in whom the second molar was still at the budding stage was thus greater. In patients whose second molars had erupted completely, the degree of tipping was greater again when a third molar bud was located in the direction of movement. After previously completed germectomy of the wisdom teeth, almost exclusively bodily distalization of both molars is possible, even without bands being applied to the second molars. However, if the first and second molars are distalized simultaneously with a pendulum appliance, the duration of therapy will be longer, greater forces will have to be applied, and more anchorage will be lost. Statistical analysis of the results of dental-angular measurements showed significant differences in the degree of molar tipping and reciprocal incisor protrusion. The degree of distal tipping of first molars was less in patients with erupted second molars (PG 2 and PG 3) than in those whose second molars were not yet erupted (PG 1). For instance, the measured angles were 0.9 degrees +/- 3.43 degrees (to the palatal plane) and 0.8 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees (to the anterior cranium floor) in PG 2, and -0.33 degrees +/- 0.58 degrees and 0.67 degrees +/- 2.08 degrees, respectively, in PG 3, contrasting with respective values of 5.89 degrees +/- 3.74 degrees and 5.36 degrees +/- 3.49 degrees in PG 1. Tipping of erupted second molars was much more marked in PG 2 (7.92 degrees +/- 5.83 degrees to the palatal plane and 7.55 degrees +/- 5.28 degrees to the anterior cranium floor), but much less pronounced in PG 3 (2 degrees +/- 1.73 degrees to the palatal plane and 2 degrees +/- 2 degrees to the anterior cranium floor) than the corresponding movement of the second budding-stage molars in PG 1 (4.06 degrees +/- 2.15 degrees and 3.97 degrees +/- 2.27 degrees, respectively). The degree of incisor protrusion occurring reciprocally with molar distalization was much less in these patients (measured angles of 3.28 degrees +/- 1.97 degrees and 2.89 degrees +/- 2.17 degrees to the palatal plane and anterior cranium floor, respectively) than in the patients presenting different stages of the dentition (angles of 5.5 degrees +/- 3.33 degrees and 6.03 degrees +/- 4.29 degrees, respectively, in PG 2, and angles of 5.5 degrees +/- 3.28 degrees and 6.67 degrees +/- 3.09 degrees, respectively, in PG 3). Moreover, measurement of dental casts in the horizontal plane showed not only the targeted mesiobuccal rotation of both maxillary molars, but also a vestibular drift of the unbanded second molars.

Activator Appliances↗

[On eruption of mandibular third molar after extraction of mandibular first or second molar].

In the orthodontic practice, the first or second molars are extracted by reason of a necessity based on the treatment planning. In these cases, it is desirable that the third molar would be taken part in the masticatory function. This study was made to investigate the natural movement of the erupting third molars after the extraction of the first or second molar on the serial lateral cephalometric radiographs and orthopantomographs. Subjects were divided into three groups. The first is the group which the mandibular second molars were extracted. The second is the group which the first molars were extracted bringing about the successful eruption of the third molars. The third is the group which the first molars were extracted with resultant in the failure of the third molar eruption. In all cases, the orthodontic forces were not applied to the third molars. The results were as follows: 1. In the first group, all third molars were successfully erupted and a lot of the spaces after the extraction of second molars were utilized for the eruption of third molars. 2. In the second group, all third molars were successfully erupted and a lot of the spaces after the extraction of first molars were utilized for the mesial movement of the second molars. 3. In the third group, there were various patterns of the impaction of the third molars. It was suggested that the eruption of the third molar was related to the space distal to the second molar but it was not related to the anterio-posterior length of the mandibular body significantly.

Cephalometry↗

Spontaneous third-molar eruption after second-molar extraction in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the eruption of third molars by using panoramic radiographs and to identify the variables associated with unsuccessful eruption. METHODS: The subjects were 48 patients who had 128 permanent second molars extracted during or before orthodontic treatment. Their ages at extraction were 11 to 23 years. The position of the third molars was assessed from panoramic radiographs taken before second-molar extraction and after third-molar eruption. The median time of eruption was 3 to 4 years (interquartile range, 2 years). A successful final position was defined as eruption with proximal contact with the adjacent first molar and an angle between these 2 teeth of no more than 35 degrees. RESULTS: A total of 96.2% of the maxillary and 66.2% of the mandibular third molars erupted in good positions. The maxillary third molars uprighted and successfully replaced the second molars. In the case of Nolla developmental stage > 8, the proximal contact could remain open. Most mandibular third molars uprighted and successfully replaced the second molars. Most unsuccessful eruptions of mandibular third molars were due to excessive mesial tilting or lack of proximal contact. Unsuccessful third-molar eruptions occurred in older patients who had higher Nolla developmental stages. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary third molars upright and acceptably replace maxillary second molars after extraction for orthodontic purposes. However, if the Nolla developmental stage is > 8, proximal contact could remain open. Most mandibular third molars also upright and acceptably replace the second molars after extraction. Unsuccessful third-molar eruption is most common in older patients with higher Nolla developmental stages. Most unsuccessful eruptions are due to excessive mesial tilting or lack of proximal contact.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of the success of root resected molars and molar position implants in function in a private practice: results of up to 15-plus years.

BACKGROUND: When faced with a furcated molar, today's clinician must decide between a number of treatment options, including root resection, tooth removal, and implant placement. This paper assesses the results in one private clinical practice of root resection and subsequent restoration or molar implant placement and subsequent restoration. Clinical considerations in treatment selection are discussed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of treated patients was carried out by examining active and inactive patient charts. When patients had discontinued therapy, every effort was made to determine the reason for leaving the private practice, so as to assess the impact of previously undocumented treatment failure on the statistics in question. RESULTS: A total 701 root resected molars and 1,472 molar implants were evaluated after > or = 15 and 13 years in function, respectively. Resection of the distal root of a mandibular molar demonstrated the lowest success rate (75%). All other success rates for various root resected molars in function ranged from 95.2% to 100%. Lone standing implants in second molar positions demonstrated the lowest success rate (85%). All other implant use in molar positions demonstrated a success rate ranging from 97.0% to 98.6%. Root resected molars and molar implants demonstrated the highest degree of failure when they were lone standing terminal abutments. Seven out of 23 (30.4%) root resected molar failures, and 17 of 45 (37.8%) of the molar implant failures were associated with untreated parafunction. Cumulative success rates were 96.8% for root resected molars and 97.0% for molar implants. Success and failure are discussed by tooth and/or implant position, and resected root, where applicable. Possible ramifications of these findings upon treatment planning are also reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Both molar root resection and appropriate restoration and molar implant placement and restoration demonstrated a high degree of success in function. However, this success rate is markedly affected when either the root resected molar or molar implant is a lone standing terminal abutment. Care must be taken to choose the appropriate treatment modality for a given patient scenario.

Adult↗

Ankylosis of primary molars--a future periodontal threat to the first permanent molars?

Most infra-occluded and ankylosed primary molars with a permanent successor will exfoliate normally. Continuous supervision of occlusal development and radiographic control of normal root resorption have been recommended. The decreased height of the alveolar bone level at the site of the infra-occluded primary molar has been reported to normalize after the eruption of the permanent successor. However, opinions that infra-occlusion of primary molars entails a risk of future periodontal damage to the first permanent molars have been presented. The aim of this study was to perform a long-term follow-up of the alveolar bone level mesial to the first permanent molars after spontaneous exfoliation or necessary extraction of the infra-occluded second primary molars. The material consisted of 143 permanent molars adjacent to 119 infra-occluded primary molars and 24 normal contralateral primary molars in 68 individuals. The subjects were re-examined about 8 years after the exfoliation or extraction of the infra-occluded second primary molars. The subjects were examined both clinically and radiographically. Alveolar bone level mesial to the first permanent molars was measured in bite-wing radiographs. All but two permanent first molars showed a normal alveolar bone level mesially. In two first permanent molars where the primary molar was extracted, mesial approximal bone loss amounted to 4 and 3 mm, respectively, but no pocket formation was found. Infra-occlusion and ankylosis of primary molars does not constitute a general risk of future alveolar bone loss mesial to the first permanent molars. The general treatment recommendation to await normal exfoliation and eruption of successors remains valid.

Adolescent↗

Changes in mandibular third molar angle and position after unilateral mandibular first molar extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Third molars often become impacted because of lack of space for their eruption. Because the third molars play an important role occlusally, premolars or second molars are sometimes extracted to create space. First molars are seldom extracted to create space, but they are occasionally extracted for other reasons, especially caries. The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous angular and positional changes in mandibular third molars when mandibular first molars are extracted. METHODS: The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs of 107 patients (age, 18-40 years; mean, 25.69 years) who had unilateral mandibular first-molar extractions (because of caries) before age 16. Ramus relationship, impaction depth, and angulation of third molars on the extraction and nonextraction sides were assessed. A chi-square test was performed to compare the differences. RESULTS: The prevalence of third molars at the anterior border of the mandibular ramus was significantly greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). Third molars were positioned more occlusally in the mandible on the nonextraction side than on the extraction side (P < .001). The prevalence of vertically angulated third molars was greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular first-molar extraction increases the space for mandibular third-molar eruption and helps the third molars move into better positions. But early extraction can lead to uncontrolled tipping of adjacent teeth into the extraction space. Only third-molar angle and position were evaluated in this study; problems such as dental asymmetry, premature contacts, and uncontrolled tipping should be assessed in the future.

Adolescent↗

Effects of early loss of permanent first molars on the development of third molars.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether early loss of the permanent first molars has an effect on the developmental stages and eruptive conditions of the third molars. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs and dental casts of 165 adolescent patients (103 boys, 62 girls) with unilateral early loss of a permanent first molar were used to assess the developmental stages of the third molars. The formation stages of third molars on the extraction sides were evaluated, and the formative conditions of the contralateral teeth were used as controls. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess sex differences in formation stages of the third molars. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were significant differences in the developmental stages of the third molars between the various extraction quadrants. In addition, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the paired t test were used to compare the differences in the developmental stages and eruptive conditions of the third molars between the extraction and control sides. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant sex differences for the formation stage of the third molars. Therefore, the data from both sexes were pooled. No statistically significant differences were found in the developmental stages of the third molars between the various extraction quadrants in the same jaw and between those in the mandible and maxilla. However, statistically significant differences were found in developmental stages (P <.001) and eruptive conditions (P <.05) of the third molars between the extraction and control sides. The development of the third molars on the extraction side was significantly accelerated compared with the contralateral teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Early loss of the permanent first molars might have an accelerating effect on the development of the third molar on the extraction side compared with the contralateral teeth. Therefore, emergence of the third molars on the extraction side might be hastened, and these teeth might erupt earlier than the contralateral teeth.

Adolescent↗

Mandibular second molar periodontal status after third molar extraction.

BACKGROUND: Extraction and treatment of third molars have been cited as causing periodontal problems. To evaluate the long-term effects of third molar extraction on the periodontal health of the mandibular second molar, a comparison of the periodontal status was performed around 2 groups of mandibular second molars, with and without third molar extraction. METHODS: A total of 312 sites in 57 adult periodontitis patients were examined and the buccal and lingual locations of the mesial and distal root surfaces around the second molars were recorded. Two-hundred and thirty-two sites were experimental teeth; i.e., third molars had been surgically removed more than 5 years ago, 80 sites served as control molars; i.e., congenitally missing third molars. Clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth, attachment loss, and gingival recession and radiographic intrabony level were measured. The effects of the surgery and the examination (buccal or lingual) locations on the measurements were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Neither extraction history nor examination location affected the probing depth on mesial surfaces. However, significant effects of the surgical history on the probing depth were observed on the distal surfaces. Similar results of greater attachment loss and radiographic alveolar bone loss were observed only at the distal sites of the experimental group. In addition, the increased radiographic bone loss was only found at the distal sites (adjacent to the surgical location) and not at the mesial sites (distant from the surgical location) on the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, greater periodontal breakdown, including probing depth, attachment loss, and radiographic alveolar bone loss, was found at the distal sites, but not at the mesial sites, of the experimental molars where the third molar was surgically extracted compared with the control teeth (no surgery). In the experimental molars, more radiographic bone loss was found at the sites adjacent to the surgical location than at the sites distant to the surgical location. Therefore, we suggest that the surgical removal of the mandibular third molar may lead to a periodontal breakdown on the distal surface of the second molar. Periodontal re-evaluation after the initial healing of third molar extraction is indicated.

Adult↗

Anchorage quality of deciduous molars versus premolars for molar distalization with a pendulum appliance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess dental anchorage qualities when the pendulum appliance is used for distal molar movement. MATERIAL: Thirty adolescents in various dentition stages received a modified pendulum appliance with a distal screw and a specially preactivated pendulum spring for bilateral molar distalization in the maxilla. The subjects were subcategorized into 3 groups of 10 according to the dental anchorage used: deciduous molars, premolars and deciduous molars, or only premolars. Dentoalveolar effects and side effects in the anchorage unit and in the molar area were determined by cephalometric analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the measurements showed significant differences between groups in the extent of molar distalization and the resulting incisor protrusion. Distal tipping of the 6-year molars was significantly less severe (2.3 degrees +/- 1.58 degrees to the palatal plane and 2.55 degrees +/- 1.52 degrees to the anterior cranial base) in patients with premolar anchorage than in those with deciduous molar anchorage (6.15 degrees +/- 3.42 degrees and 6.35 degrees +/- 3.46 degrees ). Incisor protrusion was significantly more pronounced in patients with deciduous molar anchorage (2.75 +/- 1.4 mm) than in the other 2 groups (1.65 +/- 0.82 mm, mixed deciduous molar and premolar anchorage, and 1.75 +/- 0.75 mm, premolar anchorage). Additionally, incisor protrusion was translatory compared with controlled tipping in subjects with deciduous molar anchorage or premolar and deciduous molar anchorage. CONCLUSIONS: Deciduous molars and premolars can be used for anchorage for molar distalization with a pendulum appliance; however, anchorage with premolars only results in the least pronounced dentoalveolar side effects. The anchorage quality of deciduous molar and mixed deciduous molar/premolar anchorage is limited.

Adolescent↗

Reliability of third molar probing measures and the systemic impact of third molar periodontal pathology.

PURPOSE: This study examined the reliability of assessing clinical periodontal measures on third molars, and the association between oral inflammation with periodontal pathology including third molars, and systemic inflammation including negative obstetric outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Reliability of third molar probing depth (PD) was assessed for 41 patients by trained examiners. The data for the association between oral inflammation with periodontal pathology and systemic outcomes were derived from an IRB-approved study, "Oral Conditions and Pregnancy." Full mouth periodontal exams including third molars were conducted at less than 24 weeks of pregnancy. Periodontal status, moderate/severe periodontal disease (15 or more sites PD > or =4 mm) was considered as a possible predictor of systemic inflammation and pre-term birth. The upper quartile of the extent of PD for third molars alone (PD > or =4 mm) also was considered as a possible exposure variable for the same outcomes. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine statistical significance (0.05). Significant predictor variables were included in multivariate models. Unconditional logistic multivariate models were used to derive odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Reliability of PD within 1 mm was excellent, and similar for third molars and non-third molars. Data from 1,020 obstetric patients were available for analysis. Eighteen percent of the patients delivered preterm, at less than 37 weeks. Having moderate/severe periodontal disease excluding third molars, was significantly associated with preterm birth (P = .008). Results were more significant if third molars were included (P = .0005). With multivariate models moderate/severe periodontal disease at enrollment including third molar PD, was associated with preterm birth (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.6). If only the extent of third molar PD was considered, odds also were increased for preterm birth (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1, 5.2). If only the extent of third molar PD was considered at enrollment, odds were increased for serum markers of systemic inflammation, elevated serum CRP, and oxidative stress, 8-isoPGF(2alpha). CONCLUSIONS: Dental examiners could reliably assess clinical periodontal measures on third molars. Third molars should be included in studies of systemic outcomes associated with oral inflammation. Women of child-bearing age should be made aware of the systemic risks of oral inflammation with third molar periodontal pathology.

Adult↗

A new approach in maxillary molar distalization: intraoral bodily molar distalizer.

The objectives of our study were to achieve bodily molar distalization, avoid distal tipping of molars, eliminate the need for patient cooperation (no headgear, no elastics, and no esthetic and social concern), and finally to minimize the treatment period and maximize the treatment efficiency. The study was carried out on 5 males and 10 females, a total of 15 patients. Mean age for the study group was 13.53 years. Dentally, all the patients had Class II molar relationship on both sides. The patients were in permanent dentition, second molars were erupted, and the lower dental arch was well aligned. Patients showed normal or sagittally directed growth pattern. Lateral cephalograms and study models were taken and analyzed before and after molar distalization. In the present study, in order to achieve maxillary molar distalization, a new intraoral appliance was developed. The intraoral bodily molar distalizer (IBMB) was composed of 2 parts: the anchorage unit and the distalizing unit. The anchorage unit was a wide Nance button, and the active unit consisted of distalizing springs. The springs had 2 components: the distalizer section of the spring applied a crown tipping force, while the uprighting section of the spring applied a root uprighting force on the first molars. A total of 230 g of distalizing force was used on both sides. After the distal movement of the first molars, the cephalometric results of 15 patients showed the following. Maxillary first molars were moved distally by an average of 5.23 mm (P <.001) without tipping or extrusion. Maxillary first premolars were moved 4.33 mm mesially (P <.001), tipped 2.73 degrees distally (P <.05), and extruded by 3.33 mm (P <.001). Maxillary central incisors were proclined by an average of 4.7 mm (P <.001) and tipped 6.73 degrees labially (P <.01). Model analysis showed that maxillary first molars were not rotated, and intermolar distance did not change after distal movement of molars. In conclusion, unlike most of the other molar distalization mechanics, this newly developed device achieved (1) bodily distal movement of maxillary molars and (2) eliminated dependence on patient cooperation and did not require headgear wear for molar root uprighting.

Adolescent↗

Topographic study of root trunk type on Chinese molars with Class III furcation involvements: molar type and furcation site.

This study investigated the relationship between root trunk length and prognosis for molars with furcation involvement. Molars with furcation involvement were obtained from 169 patients affected with periodontitis. The test group consisted of 174 hopeless molars screened from a total of 441 molars with Class III involvement; the remaining 267 molars formed the control group. Both arches showed a significantly higher missing rate for teeth with a long root trunk length (type C) in second molars (41.3% and 32.4% in the maxilla and mandible, respectively), with a high degree of Class III furcation involvement for the test group (extracted hopeless or poor prognosis), compared to first molars (9.9% and 0.9% in the maxilla and mandible, respectively). Both arches had a significantly higher prevalence of long root trunk lengths in the second molars compared to first molars, irrespective of furcation site. Although first molars had an early and higher prevalence of Class III furcation involvement than second molars, the latter reached a significantly higher missing rate. Molars with longer root trunk lengths had a higher risk for poor prognosis than shorter root trunks when teeth were affected by Class III furcation involvement. For extracted furcation-involved maxillary second molars that failed to respond to periodontal therapy, long root trunk length (C) accounted for the greatest prevalence at the mesial furcation site (41.8%), followed by the distal (33.0%) and buccal sites (25.2%); the greatest prevalence of root trunk length C was found at the lingual (47.9%) and buccal furcation sites (45.1%) of mandibular second molars. When a molar with root trunk type C has a Class III involvement, the prognosis is poor; for the disease to reach that level, greater amounts of attachment must be destroyed.

Adult↗

Eruption of third molars: relationship to inclination of adjacent molars.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the sagittal inclination of the first and second maxillary molars and the eruption of the third molars. The sample consisted of 2 groups. The subjects in the first group (n = 28) had complete normal dentitions including third molars; those in the second group (n = 32) had impacted right and left third molars. The sagittal inclinations to the palatal plane of the first and second maxillary molars were measured on computed tomography sagittal images obtained with multiplanar reconstructions. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare mean angular values between the 2 groups. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship with age. A multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the eruption of the third molars and the sagittal inclination of the first molar, the second molar, sex, and age. Maxillary first and second molars were more mesially inclined in the first group, particularly in the younger subjects (16-25 years). This inclination increased with age. The logistic regression showed that the sagittal inclination of the first molar is a predictor of the eruption of the third molar. This finding suggests that a more mesially inclined maxillary dentition is likely to be associated with third molar eruption. The absence of data on space requirements in the maxillary arch and interarch relationships warrants further exploration in an orthodontic population.

Adolescent↗

Molar and incisor changes with Wilson rapid molar distalization.

The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and direction of maxillary and mandibular first molar and incisor changes that occur during Class II molar correction with Wilson "rapid molar distalization." Nineteen patients (13 females, 6 males) were selected from the clinic at Loma Linda University Department of Orthodontics. All patients received maxillary bimetric distalizing arches (BDA), and either a mandibular three-dimensional lingual arch, with or without a passive 0.016 x 0.016-inch utility arch, or a traditional edgewise full banded and bonded arch. The arches were activated with open coil spring and Class II intermaxillary elastics. A total of five activations were completed or until visual inspection revealed a Class I molar relation. Prestudy and poststudy lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken with molar bands cemented. Dental changes were determined, with Ricketts superimpositions. The mean change in molar relation measured at the occlusal plane was 4.1 mm. The mean maxillary molar distalization was 2.16 mm, with 7.8 degrees of tip. The rate of maxillary molar movement was 0.56 mm per month. The mean mandibular molar mesial movement was 1.38 mm. The maxillary incisors protruded a mean of 0.3 mm, and extruded a mean of 1.6 mm. Except for the edgewise sample, all mandibular molars moved mesially further than the incisors, reducing the mandibular arch length. The presence of erupted maxillary second molars did not correlate with the rate of maxillary first molar movement, magnitude of movement, or amount of tipping that occurred.

Adolescent↗